Friday Food 85 – Ox Treasure

Friday food is a weekly article about one of the more unusual food items to be found in Liuzhou that week. This week, we are looking at, hmmm, ox treasures.

I’ve decided that I’ve been letting you guys off too lightly and that I haven’t really grossed anyone out too much recently. That is about to change.

This week I am featuring what literally translates to English as “ox treasures”. 黄牛牛宝 in Chinese. They are also known as 牛蛋, or “ox eggs”.

Calf testicle 黄牛牛宝

This is a testicle. It is one of the testicular appendages of a calf. A bull’s ball. They have a similar texture to most offal – but without the smell associated with say, kidneys. They are normally skinned and soaked before being cooked. Typical preparations include them being sliced and stir fried, or being deep fried whole.

Calf testicles are available in most markets or from RT Mart (大润发) for ¥28.90/500 g. One ball will cost you around ¥10.

Of course, their use as food is not confined to China. They are popular in many parts of the world. What I’ve only seen in Asia though, is chicken testicles. Cock’s balls so to speak. These are also available in local markets. Duck testicles are, however, my favourite. When I can find them.